Until recently, oocyte cryopreservation remained a challenge in human IVF, because the low survival rates of oocytes lead to low pregnancy rates. Recently however, the method of vitrification has revolutionized oocyte freezing and it is associated with high rates of oocyte survival, fertilization, embryo quality and pregnancy rates. The method can be also applied on cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts.

Vitrification is a method of ultra-rapid freezing. The oocytes or embryos are placed in special cryoprotectant solutions and then are plunger directly in liquid nitrogen, where they will be stored until later use. In this way, the interior of the oocytes reverts to a form of glass, avoiding the formation of ice crystals that are detrimental to oocyte viability.

Oocyte cryopreservation is performed during an IVF cycle following ovarian stimulation. It is a method of storage of genetic material for women who wish to postpone having a child until later in life, as well as in cases of premature ovarian failure or azoospermia.

According to the Greek law, oocytes can be cryopreserved for up to 5 years.

At Eugonia, we use vitrification for oocyte cryopreservation, following the international scientific developments, informing the patients about the method's advantages and disadvantages.

In Eugonia we have several successful pregnancies following oocyte vitrification.